It’s incomparable…keep a dictionary nearby. You’ll learn a lot, laugh and probably finish with empathy for people you’d never think you’d relate to at all.
This is one of the few times I’d recommend the ebook version over print: it’s easier to hold and to flip to the footnotes. If you’re using print, then get two bookmarks–one for the main text and one for the footnotes. Also, the Infinite Jest wiki is really helpful for all Wallace’s obscure words. It’s not THAT difficult, but it could get a little tedious in some sections, but it’s mostly funny…in a dark way.
That one’s gonna take you a while. It took me 6 months to get through, and normally, I’m a quick reader. I had to put it down because it really did become “too much, too fast.” You DO need to pace yourself with this one. That said, DFW was an incredible writer. (Damn, I’m still using present-tense. I first typed “is” instead of “was.” ?) If this is your first DFW, you’re in for it… ? But, it’s worth it!!
Goodness, I’d say if there was one phobia DFW had it was that he would be perceived as flouting his own importance. But yes, it is a conundrum, reading his work and realizing that he was so super-intelligent and yet also a “regular guy.” Much of IJ is that camaraderie of the boys, something i think he experienced and longed for as an adult, but who can say, as he is no longer with us? Yes, much is an exercise in his superb intellect, but if you can excuse him that, there is a tremendous human heart that misses nothing at its core. Still, I can understand your reaction.
Be prepared for a wild ride. I loved it.
https://youtu.be/3eO2QfEGK6U
When you get to the end, don’t start over at the beginning again — at least not for more than a chapter or two.
It’s incomparable…keep a dictionary nearby. You’ll learn a lot, laugh and probably finish with empathy for people you’d never think you’d relate to at all.
I still can’t decide if it was a waste of my summer or not. Not a favorite of mine.
@Emily
Don’t
Brace yourself, and be ready to drink a lot of coffee…strong coffee.
Loved it. One of the few books I remember that made me laugh out loud while reading on the subway.
This is one of the few times I’d recommend the ebook version over print: it’s easier to hold and to flip to the footnotes. If you’re using print, then get two bookmarks–one for the main text and one for the footnotes. Also, the Infinite Jest wiki is really helpful for all Wallace’s obscure words. It’s not THAT difficult, but it could get a little tedious in some sections, but it’s mostly funny…in a dark way.
That one’s gonna take you a while. It took me 6 months to get through, and normally, I’m a quick reader. I had to put it down because it really did become “too much, too fast.” You DO need to pace yourself with this one. That said, DFW was an incredible writer. (Damn, I’m still using present-tense. I first typed “is” instead of “was.” ?) If this is your first DFW, you’re in for it… ? But, it’s worth it!!
I couldn’t. Too…self-important?
Goodness, I’d say if there was one phobia DFW had it was that he would be perceived as flouting his own importance. But yes, it is a conundrum, reading his work and realizing that he was so super-intelligent and yet also a “regular guy.” Much of IJ is that camaraderie of the boys, something i think he experienced and longed for as an adult, but who can say, as he is no longer with us? Yes, much is an exercise in his superb intellect, but if you can excuse him that, there is a tremendous human heart that misses nothing at its core. Still, I can understand your reaction.
I’ve never been able to get through the first few pages of a D.F.W.
Lonnggg but worth it. Give yourself a gold star when you finish
Don’t plan on reading anything else for the year